The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner

The middle section of the novel is presented in whole by the editor as Robert’s memoir, purportedly written by Robert himself. Robert laments the circumstances of his birth, claiming that he was raised as an “outcast” (75) because his mother needed to flee from her sinful husband and her unhappy marriage. By contrast, Robert thanks Wringhim for pitying him and his mother. Wringhim offers protection and guidance to Rabina and Robert, so much so that Robert eventually comes to view Wringhim as his true father. Robert’s religious devotion makes him stand out as a child. While his teachers are concerned, his mother and Wringhim congratulate Robert for the fervor of his belief and his in-depth knowledge of Christianity. This knowledge, however, only makes Robert acutely aware of how often he sins. This knowledge makes him depressed, as he fears that he will be sent to hell. Since Robert and Wringhim are so close, people gossip that Wringhim is his real father. When Robert mentions this to Wringhim, the priest confronts the servant who spread the “notorious lies” (77). Rather than rescind the rumor, the servant quits. Robert is pleased that someone he disliked was removed through his actions, as the servant was not a “righteous man” (78).